Lack of proper discipline in schools has long been a major concern of the public. Proposals on how to improve discipline have ranged from the bizarre to the cruel. Educators and administrators must devise alternative punishments to replace traditional methods, such as corporal punishment, suspension, and expulsion, that are frequently ineffective.…

This exploratory study used interviews, essays, and survey data to examine efforts of 212 college students studying elementary education to think reflectively through the process of constructing portfolios based on their experiences in a community service-learning program. Recommendations include encouraging student ownership and individual…

Reluctance to recognize the importance of parents in the education process has been overcome in the past few years. Consequently, states are searching for and implementing programs that involve parents in education. A survey of educators in the Midwest revealed strong support for parent involvement among teachers, principals, and superintendents.…

Discusses Australian student teachers' perspectives on the value of teaching portfolios, examining how their understanding of portfolios evolved over time. Surveys indicated that it was not until students linked the notion of presenting their views on their learning to a prospective employer that they gained more understanding of the task. (SM)

Research on school reform efforts and reform evaluation and the recognition that individual students are in constant transition and are members of multiple groups whose dynamics differ over the duration of schooling were examined. A conceptual framework for developing design and analysis strategies for investigating educational reform efforts is…

The study investigated the use of case-based pedagogy to develop critical reflection in prospective teachers. Analysis of students written analyses of dilemma-based cases found patterns showing evidence of students open-mindedness, sense of professional responsibility, and wholeheartedness in approach to teaching. (DB)